Post-Exam Information
The results of the Qualifying Examination will be reported online to each candidate on or before the last Friday in October. We recognize waiting close to 12 weeks for these important results is difficult and the format of the examination creates an expectation for immediate feedback.
Please be assured during this post-examination period, extensive quality assurance checks take place to ensure your test result is fair and accurate. For example, content on the exam is re-reviewed to identify potentially flawed questions. If ABOG determines a question with more than one correct answer (or no correct answer) was on the exam, test-takers will not be penalized for that item.
When results are released, ABOG will provide the candidate their scaled test score in addition to the result of “pass” or “fail.” Each candidate, regardless of whether they pass or fail, will be provided with the percent scored in each of the major topic areas. The cut-point for passing the exam is determined using standard setting methodology every 3-5 years and is equated statistically between that time.
In order to release a result, ABOG must receive the Residency Training Affidavit verifying completion of training completed by the current Program Director. Additionally, if ABOG does not receive notification of residency completion from the Program Director by January 1, 2026, the results of the examination will be voided.
As part of the application process, the applicant will be required to irrevocably agree that the results of the applicant’s examination may be made available to the Program Director of any residency program in which the applicant may have participated or in which the applicant is currently involved, and/or the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for any and all purposes. The candidate will also be given the opportunity to release their scaled score on the examination to their current Program Director.
Furthermore, the applicant will be required to release and agree to indemnify and hold the ABOG and its officers, directors, and employees harmless of and from any and all claims the applicant may have with regard to the effect or impact upon the applicant of the release of the applicant’s examination results to the applicant’s Program Director or the ACGME and waive any rights the applicant may have, if any, to have the examination results maintained in confidence.
- Candidates who are scheduled to take the Qualifying Examination but do not do so, as well as candidates who do not pass the examination and who wish to repeat the examination, must complete a new application on the ABOG website and pay a new fee.
- It is necessary for each applicant to meet the requirements in effect the year the application is submitted. These requirements can be found in the Bulletin for the year the application is submitted. The re-applicant must complete the application process before the applicable deadline.
ABOG won't accept appeals from candidates seeking to challenge:
- The content of the exam
- The sufficiency or accuracy of the answers to exam questions
- The scoring of the exam
- The cut score used to determine the passing grade for the exam
A complaint concerning any other matter of the Qualifying Exam must be submitted via the contact us form.
All certificates by ABOG after 1986 are:
- Time-limited
- Remain only in effect if the diplomate participates in and successfully completes the Continuing Certification process each year.
If you're an Active Candidate - meaning you've passed the Qualifying Exam but haven't yet taken the Certifying Exam - you are not required to participate in the Continuing Certification process.